Design Infused with Nature

Posted in Around the Garden, Learning Experiences, People on July 19 2012, by Arlene Ellis

Arlene Ellis bridges the gaps between science, art, and fashion with her in-depth study of natural patterns, many of which she details on her website, Organic Lyricism. Here, she relates how her first trip to The New York Botanical Garden informed her latest clothing designs.

I had never heard of textile design while growing up, despite aspiring to become a designer or an artist. In fact, I only became familiar with the word “textile” last fall, a bit weird considering I began drawing patterns at age 15. This was the year that I discovered the phenomenon of fractals in nature.

Fractals are geometric shapes that can be divided into smaller parts, each resembling the overall shape of the whole, regardless of scale. After learning about these fascinating designs, I began noticing them everywhere–in trees, ferns, snowflakes, and in natural formations. This preoccupation eventually sparked my interest in the ultimate fractal-like structure: the brain. In college, however, I soon proved to be more interested in drawing these patterns than I was in studying my neuroscience textbooks.

My interests were leaning heavily in one direction, but despite my constant drawing of patterns, textile design was still a foreign concept to me. It wasn’t until I began taking courses at New York’s School of Visual Arts that this changed. I learned that textile design would help me to unite my love for biological patterns with my love for art. I grew to understand that textile design plays a pivotal role in our daily lives; these patterns adorn our clothes, our bedding, our carpets and furniture. And I realized that I could use these visuals to communicate the beauty of nature to people on an intimate level. After visiting The New York Botanical Garden for the first time in June, that’s just what I set out to do.

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Beyond their immediate beauty, I have something of an intellectual crush on patterns. There are at least a few reasons why.

Patterns have an interdisciplinary fan base
Designs are studied not only by artists, but also by scientists, engineers, mathematicians and by those of other disciplines.

Patterns make learning easier
Whether you’re studying the relationship between cells, tissues, and organs; or between lines, values, and colors; patterns help you solve problems.

Patterns reinforce our connection to nature
Tree branches resemble blood vessels. The grooved surfaces of certain corals resemble the brain. Nature is full of patterns that we can relate to one another.

It’s this holistic perspective on patterns that inspired me to choose The New York Botanical Garden as my source for textile design inspiration. The NYBG brings artists and scientists together through its impressive educational offerings, and it offers a stunning oasis to people from all walks of life to come and witness nature’s gorgeous collection of designs. Finally, the NYBG reminds people that we, too, are natural beings comprised of the same elements found in the plants around us.

Since visiting the NYBG for the first time in June, my floral pattern library continues to grow. I want to show people how patterns found in nature can enrich their lives. And maybe, along the way, I’ll inspire them to create designs of their own.

For more on my explorations of patterns and design, visit Organic Lyricism.

Looking to uncover your artistic knack? The Garden offers plenty of opportunities to pick up painting, illustration, or any number of other disciplines in botanical art. Visit the Adult Education page for a list of our current and upcoming courses. And if you’ve also been inspired by the Garden to create something, tell us your story! Simply email us at blog@nybg.org.